Jaipur

Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, popularly known as the PinkCity, is also among the three top destinations visited in India, the other two being Delhi and Agra. Collectively they are known as the Golden Triangle.

Jaipur is a heritage city and also modern India’s first planned city. It was the capital of the erstwhile princely state of Jaipur. The modern city was founded by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the ruler of Amber in 1727. Most buildings in Jaipur are built of pink stucco in imitation of sandstone, giving it its distinct color.

Jaipur is the city of palaces; most notable ones that are an absolute must for every tourist are the Hawa Mahal or Palace of Winds, the City Palace, Amber Palace, and Jal Mahal or Water Palace. Besides these, other tourist attractions include the Nahargarh Fort, the Jaigarh Fort, Jantar Mantar, Albert Museum in Ramniwas Bagh, Galtaji and numerous temples.

Jaipur is also a delight for shoppers and foodies. Rajasthani cuisines and various street foods of India are available besides international cuisines at luxury hotels. Its markets specialise in various products e.g. Jahri Bazaar deals only in jewelry. Similarly there are textile markets and crafts markets.

Jaipur is not just an excellent gateway into Rajasthan, it is also a must for every tourist to spend some time here to get a feel of the royal Rajasthan.

Tourist attractions in Jaipur

City Palace - City Palace is among the most imposing buildings of Jaipur. Built by Maharaja Jai Singh II of the Kachhwaha clan, the City Palace is a massive complex occupying nearly one seventh of the area of the city of Jaipur.

Albert Hall Museum - Albert Hall is the oldest museum in the state of Rajasthan. Designed by Colonel Sir Swinton Jacob in 1876, it was created in time to greet King Edward VII as Prince of Wales on his visit to India and opened to public ten years later

Hawa Mahal - The Palace of Winds or Hawa Mahal is a beautiful red sandstone building rising five storey high. Designed in the form of the crown of Lord Krishna, the purpose of Hawa Mahal was to create an extension to the Zenana section of the City Palace and allow the ladies of the court to view the life of the city from behind purdah

Sheetla Mata Fair - Sheetla Devi is believed to be the Goddess of Small Pox. The fair is held on Shetla Ashtami day that falls during the month of March or April each year to please the goddess so that there is no visitation of a small pox epidemic.

Elephant Festival - held during the March and April, this festival celebrates marks the Indian festival of colors, Holi. Elephants have been the carriage of kings and have always been bedecked accordingly. In this festival, elephants turn out in all their finery along with their mahouts. This festival is a great opportunity to play colors with the local people and also to enjoy elephant sports.

Ranthambhor National Park - Ranthambhor is Rajasthan's most well known tiger reserve under Project Tiger. A large sanctuary spread over 392 sq km area, sambhar, cheetal, wild boar, leopard, sloth bear, jackal and hyena can also be seen here. You can also enjoy a wildlife safari in Ranthambore.

Rambagh Palace - The Rambagh Palace, Jaipur, is the former residence of the Maharaja of Jaipur and is spread over 47 acres of gardens. Being centrally located, it is easy to visit the city’s sights and its shopping centres. Rambagh Palace is a huge property with 106 regal rooms and suites. The restaurant here is called Suvarna Mahal and the coffee shop is called Neel Mahal. It has a bar as well named after the royal sport of Polo.

Samode Haveli - Travelers seeking utmost luxury in royal Rajasthan find their true home in Samode. A beautiful building in white with filigree trellises and balconies and painted walls, Samode Haveli is a small charming place with emphasis on warm and personalized service. Samode Haveli takes in only individual travelers; there are no noisy groups here.